Toronto Traffic Tickets

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The driving habit of most Torontonians when it comes to stop signs is the infamous "rolling stop". For those of us that have taken driving lessons through driving schools we are told that we must come to a complete stop with the minimum time limit at ANY stop sign of 3 seconds. This is not a mere suggestion it is regulated by the Highway Traffic Act (HTA).

Stop at through highway

136. (1) Every driver or street car operator approaching a stop sign at an intersection,

(a) shall stop his or her vehicle or street car at a marked stop line or, if none, then immediately before entering the nearest crosswalk or, if none, then immediately before entering the intersection; and

(b) shall yield the right of way to traffic in the intersection or approaching the intersection on another highway so closely that to proceed would constitute an immediate hazard and, having so yielded the right of way, may proceed. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 136 (1).

Stop signs, erection at intersections

137. In addition to stop signs required at intersections on through highways,

(a) the council of a municipality may by by-law provide for the erection of stop signs at intersections on highways under its jurisdiction; and

(b) the Minister may by regulation designate intersections on the King's Highway at which stop signs shall be erected, and every sign so erected shall comply with the regulations of the Ministry. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 137; 2002, c. 17, Sched. F, Table.

The purpose of the city enforcing these stop sign regulations is to protect the safety of drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. As most of us may see it as a nuisance, we must also keep in mind that the stop signs are strategically placed for reasons of safety. When approaching an all way stop sign intersection the general rule is basically a first come first serve rule. Unfortunately, not all drivers obey this general rule which means it usually results in accidents or a ticket from our friendly neighborhood police officer. When issuing any traffic ticket, a police officer is required to use their own judgement or discretion. The demerit points involved in a stop sign ticket is three demerit points. That's three demerit points on your driver's abstract in which an accumulation of ten demerit points will cause either a license suspension and/or a re-examination to have your driver's license reinstated by the Ministry of Transportation. The average fine amount for stop sign ticket is $90.00